Editor’s note: Seventh in a series previewing the Broncos’ position groups entering training camp. Today, outside linebackers.
On the roster (nine): Christopher Allen, Nik Bonitto, Baron Browning, Frank Clark, Jonathon Cooper, Randy Gregory, Marcus Haynes, Thomas Incoom, Aaron Patrick.
How many on the 53?: Five or six.
Most impactful offseason move: Signing Clark during the offseason program.
It happened late, but it happened nonetheless. The Broncos brought in the three-time Pro Bowler from their division rival Kansas City last month. He’ll be in a Denver uniform for the first time when camp begins. Clark didn’t up “wow” numbers with the Chiefs in the regular season — his last double-digit sack campaign came in 2018 with Seattle — but he provides a veteran presence in a group that started the offseason with depth questions and is already dealing with injury issues (Browning is expected to begin the season on PUP due to a knee surgery).
Biggest question to answer in camp: Can Bonitto get off to a fast start?
The 2022 second-round draft pick took time to get going in camp last year as a rookie and then had an up-and-down first year. He looked to be coming on in the middle of the season, then faded down the stretch as injuries piled up and defenses could pay more attention to him. He said after the season he needed to be a better practice player and more consistent worker. If that stuck this offseason, his natural pass-rush ability will give him a chance. If not, it’s going to be a long August for the former Oklahoma standout.
Battle to watch: Staving off the injury bug further.
OK, this is twisting the prompt a little bit, but the Broncos are going to rely heavily on Gregory and Browning when he’s back from the knee injury. Both players have dealt with injuries in recent years and both must find a way to be on the field more in 2023. Gregory had his first healthy offseason in a while, so that’s a promising start. He was a force to be reckoned with early in 2022 before a knee injury cost him 10 weeks. The health of this duo will define the season for Denver’s edge group.
Under the radar player: Allen.
Could easily have gone Cooper here, too, and Cooper’s a safer bet to factor in Denver’s plan this fall. But Allen is the closest thing to a lottery ticket on the Broncos’ roster. He had terrific production in 2020 for Alabama, but since 2021 has dealt with foot injuries. Those can be notoriously difficult to overcome, but Denver kept him on injured reserve for his rookie season and now he’ll get a chance to make a move during camp. Odds are against him turning into a difference-maker, but if he can put together a stretch of good health, he’s got a chance.
Wednesday: Inside linebacker
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